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Gadhafi’s Son on Video: “We Need High Spirits”

Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, the second-oldest child of Libya’s leader Moammar Gadhafi and one of his advisers, is shown trying to rally supporters of his father’s regime in a recent video. Though it’s not clear when the video was shot, Saif echoes statements made by his father in the last few days. In the video, parts of which were shown by pan-Arab broadcaster Arabiya, Saif plays down reports of defections of police and military officials, and blames the unrest on foreign agents. At several points the group clamors for more weapons, which Saif, standing on a vehicle and wielding an assault rifle, promises to bring along with more supporters.

Saif – Brothers, please bothers. I will tell you something…They – hostile people and enemy forces – have said the police fled [and] the police have joined the troublemakers. Today we will show them that the police is with Libya.

Supporters – God Willing…God is Greatest … Weapons, weapons

Saif – one minute please, weapons will come to you, facilities and weapons. Everything will be OK and you will be victorious.

Saif – ‘today we’re not inviting you for rice & meat’ (Libyan saying – meaning: we mean business). This is what I want to tell you today.’

Supporters – [chanting] ‘We will show them (the protesters), ‘we will bring it back (the country back to Gadhafi’s power).’ ‘The population wants Moammar the colonel.’

Saif- Listen, listen, this is your country … now we shall leave, and you have all the backing. But your country [unknown word] Italians. The protesters you confront are nothing; they are bums, brats and druggies. Today brothers, Tripoli that you live in, will be cleared (of protesters).

Supporters – [chanting] ‘with spirit and blood we support you our leader’ (Gadhafi)

Saif – I shall leave now, and I will send you weapons. Tonight I will return with more people and weapons.